Report: Amazon Delivery Drivers Hurt at Higher Rate than Industry Average

On May 24th, 2022, The Seattle Times published a story on a new study about workplace safety. The report noted that delivery drivers working for Amazon—by far the largest company in Washington State—are injured on the job at a significantly higher rate than the national average for the industry. In this article, our Spokane workplace injury attorney explains the key things to know about the report and your rights if you were hurt while working as an Amazon delivery driver in Washington.

20 Percent of All Amazon Delivery Drivers Suffered a Work-Related Injury in 2021

A study for a labor advocacy organization analyzed federal workplace safety data. They determined that nearly 20 percent of all Amazon delivery drivers suffered a workplace injury in 2021. That figure is far above the national average for delivery drivers. A number of different issues were raised within the study. Researchers noted that Amazon’s high pressure, fast-paced work environment for delivery drivers likely contributed to a higher rate of workplace accidents.

Delivery Drivers Face Many Workplace Safety Risks

Delivery drivers work hard—especially at a fast-paced company like Amazon. Unfortunately, delivery drivers face a wide array of potential workplace safety risks. Some of the most frequent causes of workplace accidents and injuries reported by delivery drivers include:

• Slip and fall accidents;
• Trip and fall accidents;
• Lifting and other overexertion injuries;
• Motor vehicle crashes; and
• Dog bites.

Amazon Workers Have Important Legal Rights Under Washington State Law

Were you hurt while working for Amazon or any other company in Spokane County? If so, it is imperative that you understand your legal rights and legal options. You need to know the right steps to take to get the full and fair financial support that you are entitled to under the law. An experienced Spokane, WA workplace injury attorney can help you navigate the process. You may have a claim through:

• • <Workers’ Compensation

All employers in Washington State (including Amazon) must provide no-fault workers’ comp coverage to employees. You have the right to file a workers’ comp claim if you were hurt while delivering for your employer.

• • Third Party Liability:

If any party other than your own employer caused your workplace accident through negligence—for example, if you were hit by a distracted driver while delivering packages—you can also file a third party liability claim against the negligent defendant.

A workers’ comp claim can still be filed even if you have a third party liability claim. Indeed, injured delivery driver workers should always initiate a timely workers’ comp claim to secure their benefits.

Get Help From Our Spokane Workplace Injury Lawyer Today

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane work injury attorney has the professional skills and legal knowledge to help you navigate the claims process. If you were injured while working as a delivery driver for Amazon, we can help. Contact us now or connect with us online to set up a free, no obligation review of your case. Our law firm provides workplace injury representation in Spokane and communities throughout Eastern Washington.